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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 NURB Annual Work Plan and Budget Proposal (revised) NORTHEAST URBAN RENEWAL BOARD BUDGET FY 2011 PROPOSAL TO THE BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION The Bozeman City Commission with Mayor Jeff Krauss presiding adopted Ordinance 1655 which formally enacted the Northeast Urban Renewal Plan. The stated mission of the plan and general goals are as follows: MISSION VISION: This Plan is the city s response to remedy the conditions of blight found in the August 2005 report The Plan also addresses other issues important to the District The plans purpose is to ensure the vitality of the Northeast Urban Renewal District (NURD) the vitality of the NURD for generations to come and to make the NURD an area in which its citizens can take exceptional pride The Plan envisions a mixed use neighborhood that is user friendly safe secure and healthy. While this plan envisions a District with diversity of housing businesses and amenities it intends to maintain the unique ambiance and historic character of the District. Nine principals were developed for the plan for the plan. Each of the principals has one or more goals associated with the plan some of which specifically relate to this work plan others represent general objectives and directives. The Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) goals are as follows: GENERAL GOALS: Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced, or otherwise improved. Provide public utilities to the area efficiently in ways that are not visually or physically obtrusive. Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation – vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient and convenient access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential quality of life. New structures should be designed and built keeping in mind the public values of durability, flexibility, and simplicity. Thoughtful consideration of design, materials, and massing in the construction of new private buildings will add strength and character to the built environment. To the degree that the private sector can be influenced by a public partner in development, the community ought to strongly encourage excellence in urban design as a basis of partnership. Promote sustainable building practices and design within the district Procure new land for park and open space Improve landscaping in existing public spaces Neither the City of Bozeman nor any of its subdivisions shall use eminent domain to take private property for private use in the implementation of an urban renewal project or similar redevelopment plan. Encourage the City to help ensure the success of the Northeast Urban Renewal Plan by giving a high priority to the Northeast District in its capital improvements plan. Work with neighborhoods and businesses to ensure actions taken in the district are compatible with adjacent developed areas. Work with the City to ensure actions taken outside of the District are compatible with projects inside of the District FY 2010 FY 2011 REVENUES Curre nt Balance $ 73,253 $137,579 FY10 TIF $ 62,440 FY2011 TIF (anticipated) $ 62,440 Donation TD& H – Depot Park $ 2,000 Parks improvement Grant (50/50 matching grant) $ 20,000 HB 645/American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $ 18,600 Interest $ 2,492 $ 2,500 Total Funding $178,785 $202,519 FY 10 EXPENDITURES Depot Park Engineering Services $ 7,000 Depot Park Phase I $ 9,809 Depot Park Phase II $ 3,010 Climbing Boulder $ 16,470 Depot Park Construction $ 29,289 $ 29,289 Neighborhood Development Plan $ 3,137 Administrative Services $ 1,780 $ 41,206 FY 11 PROPOSED EXPENDITURES Priority 1 – Parks, Trails and Greenspace $ 70,350 Priority 2 – Infrastructure $ 93,000 Priority 3 – Neighborhood Planning $ 17,000 Priority 4 – Redevelopment Incentive Program $ 15,000 Staff Time $ 5,000 Administrative Services $ 2,169 Overall Budget Total $202,519 Over the last year the Northeast Urban Renewal Board began implementing plans and projects reflecting their three funding priorities: 1) Parks, Trails and Greenspace; 2) Infrastructure and 3) Neighborhood Development Plan. In 2010, the Board identified the creation of re-development incentive program as a new priority. The redevelopment incentive program is related to priorities 2 and 3 in that the Board hopes to see some improvements to infrastructure by incentivizing redevelopment of properties within the District and also fund projects that embrace their vision and the adopted plan for the District. I. PARKS, TRAILS AND GREENSPACE Depot Park $ 39,050 In FY2010, The Board began implementing the previously approved plan for the Depot Park located on Front Street near the old, abandoned passenger depot. The Board had allocated $46,126.75 for Phase I and part of Phase II for Depot Park improvements in their FY2010 budget. Of that budgeted amount, $20,000 comes from a Park Improvement Grant (PIG) for Phase I improvements and $18,600 from HB 645 for the climbing boulder. To date, $29,289 has been paid for the Depot Park improvements, plus $5,000 in engineering services ($7,000 less the $2,000 donation from TD& H engineering). $17,820 in TIF was been spent on Depot Park engineering and improvements. $8306.75 in TIF remains from the FY10 budget TIF allocation. $20,000 in PIG monies remain. $2,130 HB 645 monies remain. An additional $8,613.25 in TIF is included in the FY2011 budget to finish the improvements. Phase I includes landscape construction including fine grading, irrigation system, sod installation, tree plantings, and installation of trails and curb to protect the proposed grass and define the edge of the park. Phase II includes a climbing boulder, benches and picnic tables. The climbing boulder is near completion. The total construction and landscaping costs are $68,332. This is about $3,600 higher than originally estimated and includes the installation of a dry well to control drainage around the perimeter of the park and a recent change order for the installation of sod, in lieu of seeding. $39,050 is the anticipated remaining cost for the Depot Park: $16,920 – TIF $20,000 – PIG $ 2,130 – HB 645 $39,050 Depot Trail Area $ 3,000 The original trail, landscaping and bench installation were completed in 2002. An irrigation system was never installed. To ensure survival of the trees and shrubs until they become established, water is provided from an adjacent property. The Board wishes to assist with funding the temporary irrigation of the trees and shrubs. The area is inundated with Canada thistle and Common tansy, so weed control must also be implemented. MRL recently communicated to the Board that they will not lease any of the MRL property for public use. As such, the funding for a fence along the railroad track in FY 2010 has been removed. The proposed funding includes continuing the operation of the temporary irrigation system, weed control and general maintenance. Aspen Street Right-of-Way Open Space Improvements $ 9,000 The Board has identified a section of the Aspen Street right-of-way between N. Ida and N. Wallace as a potential open space location. The location’s close proximity to the Depot Park provides a nice amenity for residents in the District. In FY 2010, the Board plans to investigate the feasibility of enhancing this portion of the public right-of-way for the use of the residents. Ideas include the creation of a community garden, trail connections, or general greenway enhancements. The intention here is to preserve the right-of-way for construction of a street if redevelopment of an adjacent parcel requires it; in the interim, the Board wishes to provide a use that will enhance the neighborhood. North Church Avenue Trail Improvements (Aspen to Tamarack) $ 4,300 Board members identified a section of trail in need of widening and signage within the N. Church Avenue right-of-way between Aspen and Tamarack Streets. The existing trail extends from Aspen to Tamarack Streets with a bridge crossing over Bozeman Creek. The Board plans to contact GVLT and the City Parks Department to gather information on the trail's history, possible improvement of the deficient trail section and the addition of signage. The Board is hopeful that coupling these trail improvements with sidewalk improvements on Tamarack Street will greatly improve pedestrian connectivity in the District. Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge $ 15,000 Board members identified the need for a pedestrian bridge at the terminus of E. Aspen Street and the N. Church Avenue trail east of N. Rouse Avenue. E. Aspen Street comes to an end at Bozeman Creek. The use along this section of E. Aspen Street is largely residential with a retail store (butcher shop) at the southeast corner of N. Rouse Avenue and E. Aspen Street. The Board feels the District’s pedestrian connectivity could be improved with the construction of a pedestrian bridge to the N. Church Avenue Trail. City Engineering staff is working with the NURB and Planning Staff obtain estimates for the engineering services and construction costs. The budgeted amount is for engineering and design services. It’s unlikely the budgeted amount will cover the full cost of the bridge. Priority 1 Total $ 70,350 Priority 1 Rationale: The park, trail and green space improvements meet Guiding Principle 4 and Goals A & B under Principle 4 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan: Guiding Principle, “Public open space is essential to a healthy and appealing urban environment” Goal A, “Procure new land for parks and public open space” Goal B, “Improve landscaping in existing public spaces.” The spending of TIF funds on park and open space improvements is allowed under 7-15-4255, Authority to provide or contract for services related to urban renewal, of the Montana Code Annotated. Specifically, item (1b) states that “Every municipality shall have power to install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements” II. INFRASTRUCTURE Poor pedestrian connectivity within the District is well documented. Lack of street improvements including missing curb, gutter, pavement and sidewalks creates an unwelcoming and potentially unsafe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. A lack of storm water drainage facilities leads to the ponding of water in public right-of-ways encouraging pedestrians to walk in the street emphasizing the need for street improvements. The District has a historic mix of light manufacturing and residential uses creating a more urban environment on the streets, especially during business hours. Modest improvements to pedestrian facilities to create safer more welcoming routes for pedestrians will reduce conflict between users. The lack of street delineation/improveme nts and storm water facilities has caused an unknown number of individuals to use some sections of the District as dumping grounds for unwanted appliances and furniture. Street improvements coupled with improvements to trails and parks and the landscaping of public spaces will improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists and reduce, if not eliminate, dumping in the public right-of-way. Making improvements to sidewalks on unimproved streets comes with some difficulty especially if elevation differences are present across the width of the right-of-way and if a need to improve storm water drainage is warranted as well. What seems like a rather simple project turns into a large scale street improvement project. Without additional information, moving forward on these improvements is difficult, so survey and design is the next step. Regarding design, the Board recognizes that creative solutions are needed to enhance the public right-of-way for two very different user types in the District. In support of improvements to these streets, the Board has allocated a portion of the FY11 budget to the following deficient street sections in the District: Tamarack Street – Rouse Avenue to Front Street $ 38,000 Tamarack Street from Rouse Avenue to Front Street lacks curb, gutter and sidewalk. Storm water drainage issues are present. The Board views this street as an important connector to existing trails, future parks and open space areas in the District as well as the future sidewalk on Rouse Avenue. Board is looking for innovative designs which will remedy the lack of pedestrian and storm water retention facilities in the District while at the same time preserving the District character. Initial survey and design needs to be completed to see what improvements are feasible. Intersection of Front-Ida-Aspen Streets $ 17,000 The intersection area of these streets has drainage problems and lacks pedestrian connectivity. With plans to improve the Depot Park and potentially the Aspen Street right-of-way as open space, painted cross walks and additional street signage are short term needs which are easily fulfilled once the Depot Park is improved. Over the longer term, the feasibility of upgrading the street frontages of the Depot Park needs to be determined. Storm water drainage controls should be integrated into any street improvements around the Depot Park. Initial survey and design needs to be completed. East Peach Street – Sidewalks $ 38,000 Missing sidewalk sections on E. Peach Street need to be installed and some existing sidewalk sections need replacement between N. Rouse and N. Wallace Avenue. Board is looking for innovative designs which will remedy the lack of pedestrian and storm water retention facilities in the District while at the same time preserving the District character. Initial survey and design needs to be completed. Priority 2 Total $ 93,000 Priority 2 Rationale: The infrastructure improvements meet Guiding Principle 1 and Goals A & B under Principle 1 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan: Guiding Principle, “Ensure the health, safety, and security of the District” Goal A, “Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced or otherwise improved.” Goal B, “Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation – vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient and convenient access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.” The spending of TIF funds on infrastructure improvements is allowed under 7-15-4288, Costs that may be paid by tax increment financing, of the Montana Code Annotated. Specifically, item (4) states that the following may be paid by tax increment financing, “the acquisition, construction, and improvement of infrastructure…that includes streets, roads, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pedestrian malls, alleys, parking lots and off-street parking facilities, sewers, sewer lines, sewage treatment facilities, storm sewers, waterlines,… III. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLANNING $ 17,000 District Visioning Document $ 2,000 Assisted by Montana State University students from the Community Design Center within the School of Architecture, the Board put together the first draft of this document to provide a necessary supplement to the existing Urban Renewal plan. It outlines specific projects and ideas that will further the goals and objectives of the plan. The current draft requires revisions. Preserve America Grant Match $ 15,000 If the City is awarded the grant, the NURB has pledged to match up to $15,000 in funds towards this grant. The Board acknowledges that of portion of the matching funds may be used to offset the cost of City staff time spent managing the grant. The grant application proposes that a professional historical architectural and engineering team be hired to examine the existing conditions, evaluate the architectural integrity of the building, identify potential issues with the site and study the feasibility of re-use opportunities at the site. Priority 3 Total $ 17,000 Priority 3 Rationale: Neighborhood Development Plan meets Guiding Principle 2 and the Goal under Principle 2 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan: Guiding Principles, “Balance commerce and livability in the District within the mixed-use framework” AND “Honor the unique character and vitality of the District” Goal, “Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential quality of life” Implementation Action, “Where historic structures are affected by public or private development, seek out the advice and assistance of local, state, or federal historic preservation professionals for opportunities to renovate existing historic structures.” The spending of TIF funds on the design of a Neighborhood Development Plan is allowed under 7-15-4254, Municipality power in the preparation of various plans, of the Montana Code Annotated. Specifically, item (1a) states that “Every municipality shall have power, within the municipality to make or have made all plans necessary to the carrying out of the purposes of this part and to contract with any person, public or private, in making and carrying out such plans;” IV. REDEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM $ 15,000 To support Principles 2 and 3 of the District Plan: “Balance commerce and livability in the District within the mixed-use framework” and “Honor the unique character and vitality of the District”, and foreseeing an opportunity to incentivize and guide re-development, the Board has requested that staff create an incentive program to encourage needed rehabilitation of properties within the District. The creation of this program will incentivize the implementation of the District Plan as it relates to the following Goals and Implementation Actions listed within the Plan: Goal: Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential quality of life Implementation Actions: Assure compatibility of land uses through appropriate urban design techniques Encourage commercial development that provides basic needs to the District. Encourage affordable housing Goal: New structures should be designed and built keeping in mind the public values of durability, flexibility, and simplicity. Thoughtful consideration of design, materials, and massing in the construction of new private buildings will add strength and character to the built environment. To the degree that the private sector can be influenced by a public partner in development, the community ought to strongly encourage excellence in urban design as a basis of partnership. Implementation Actions: Where historic buildings and places exist, compatibility of design elements should also enter into the planning of new construction Encourage the growth of cultural activities Goal: Promote sustainable building practices and design within the district Implementation Actions: Support projects and designs that promote Dark Skies Promote the use of indigenous plants and materials for landscaping and design Encourage the use of locally produced, renewable products. Promote environmentally sound development and construction practices Promote energy and resource-efficient systems within the District Priority 4 Rationale: The spending of TIF funds on the creation and implementation of a redevelopment incentive program is allowed under the following sections of the MCA: Section 7-15-4233, subsection (1)(a), MCA, grants the City the power to formulate and coordinate a workable program as specified in 7-15-4209, MCA; and Section 7-15-4209, MCA, states : (1) A municipality may formulate a workable program for utilizing appropriate private and public resources:      (a) to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of blighted areas;      (b) to encourage needed urban rehabilitation;      (c) to provide for the redevelopment of such areas; or      (d) to undertake such of the aforesaid activities or other feasible municipal activities as may be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program.      (2) Such workable program may include, without limitation, provision for:      (b) the rehabilitation of blighted areas or portions thereof by re-planning, removing congestion, providing parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements; by encouraging voluntary rehabilitation; and by compelling the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated or deteriorating structures; and      (c) the clearance and redevelopment of blighted areas or portions thereof. Section 7-15-4288, MCA states, “Costs that may be paid by tax increment financing” allows the municipality to use tax increments to pay the following costs of or incurred in connection with an urban renewal project: 1) demolition and removal of structures, 2) improvement of infrastructure, 3) public improvements and 4) costs incurred in connection with the redevelopment activities allowed under 7-15-4233 Priority 4 Total $ 15,000 SUMMARY: FY 11 PROPOSED BUDGET Priority 1 $ 70,350 Priority 2 $ 93,000 Priority 3 $ 17,000 Priority 4 $ 15,000 Staff time $ 5,000 Administrative Services $ 2,169 Overall Budget Total $ 202,519